Bill Arp Elementary
Douglasville, Georgia

Walking Program Success

Everyone needs a “check up” occasionally, even a Walking Wellness program! A simple two question survey was used to check the “pulse” of the parents whose kids participated in the program. Let’s take a peek to see how the parents were feeling.

When asked “What did you hope for your child to gain from this experience?” Parents' replies included:

• "To make healthier choices. To understand taking care of yourself for health reasons and to avoid becoming overweight."
• "To learn about healthy eating and to get more exercise."
• "A basis of health & nutrition ideas to last a lifetime."
• "Exercise, raised awareness of healthy eating choices, a desire to get physically (fit)."
• "Fitness and community"

And in response to: "Has your child/family made any healthy changes while your child has been participating in the Walking Wellness Program? If yes, what changes have been made?"

• "About the same time she joined, I had joined w\Weight Watchers. We have healthier snacks in the house. We also eat more fish and chicken. Very little red meat. [My daughter] has chosen peanuts as her favorite snack (but not too many)."
• "We talk more about food choices and [my son] helps me grocery shop by reading labels and selecting more healthy foods."
• "Eat more fruits, drink more water and incorporate more vegetables into [my son's] diet."
• "Drinking more water now. Reads serving sizes on labels. Helps w/ grocery list."
• "Already fitness conscious at home. Appreciate the opportunity for [my son] to participate in a fitness program at school. He enjoyed it and liked the snacks and different things in that area. Nice exposure to good lifestyle choices. Thank you!"

Additional comments made by the parents:

• "I think this program is great for all children. Overweight not overweight, they all need to know how important it is to be healthier.
• Either to fix health issues or avoid them. I'm so glad y'all take the time to educate them on this. You are doing a great thing; I think all school(s) should do this."
• "This has been a good experience for [my son]. I look forward to the spring."
• "This program has been exactly what [my daughter] needed. She doesn't desire to participate in sports but she has really enjoyed the walking program. I hope to start swimming weekly at the Aquatic Center for [my daughter]. Thank you so much!"

Sounds like the Walking Wellness program gets a clean bill of health! Giving your programs a simple, quick check-up can keep your KidLink team focused and motivated to achieve healthy goals!

Kids on the Move

Large scale changes are on the horizon for Bill Arp Elementary School. Relocating to a new school next year, faculty and staff have the kids “on the move” with a morning walking program and PE Club after school! Healthy messages incorporated in the classroom, and nourishing snacks on Thursday, are helping everyone gear up for C.H.A.N.G.E. (Connect Health And Needs and Get Excited)! Change requires small, simple steps, over time, to ensure that healthy changes become habits and lifelong practices.

Hats off to Bill Arp Elementary for taking the first steps in creating a healthier school environment for their students and staff. Creating simple routines and activities for health is a GREAT way to make the transition more than just a move to a new building!